Chade Nix, 27, clicked on various websites surveying the different options of plastic surgeons near her Marietta, Georgia home. As she studies the ‘before and after’ photos from different surgical procedures, she glances at the reflection of her almond shaped eyes, high cheek bones and protruding lips. Nix expresses her excitement at the idea of a possible consultation regarding which of her own physical features could possibly be altered or enhanced to achieve her idea of perfection.

“Women want to be pretty, and whatever that look is, that’s what they want to be,” said Nix. “If this means being an over-processed blonde, or a long wavy brunette, a refined nose or ears pinned back. Whatever will make you reach that pillar of success or at least look the part.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2013 statistics indicate a rise since 2012 in the most common procedures of breast augmentations, eyelid surgeries, facelifts, Botox injections, chemical peels and soft tissue fillers.

“Cosmetic surgery has evolved,” said Nix, who feels surgery is no longer as controversial as it was 10 years ago. “Cosmetic surgery now is like scheduling a routine Pap smear. Being ‘au naturel’ is overrated”.

“The rise in numbers is primarily due to the new innovative, minimally-invasive procedures,” said Adeena Badditt, ASPS director of public relations. “Botox became the number one non-surgical procedure and led to fillers, lasers procedures, and all types of new treatments. New technology means new less invasive procedures that people feel more comfortable with.”

“There are two populations of consumers,” said Dr. Edward Farrior, Tampa Florida plastic surgeon. “Younger people are usually coming in to address an unattractive feature. Typically, the older people are perfectly well adjusted with the skeletal characteristic of their face; they just don’t want to look older. There’s always been that dichotomy in the two populations of consumers.”

The conceived benefits of these surgeries include improved self-esteem, enhancing social lives, and even heightening careers. “Self-esteem certainly impacts someone’s ability to perform at work. Cosmetic surgery is known to enhance that,” said Farrior. “So if someone has a distracting feature – a weak chin, a prominent nose – and they address that distraction, when they’re having meetings with people, they’re not concerned with how they look because they know they look good.”

The Facial Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery Academy has indicated that two-thirds of men and women requested cosmetic surgery because of competition in the workforce where emotional confidence was directly related to better performance, often amplifying success.

Nix considers plastic surgery an investment in personal success and happiness. “Enhancement of one’s career, social status, or love life is kinda the point of well, life”.

Advancements in technology also have influenced a rise among teens who seek to go under the knife. In 2011, plastic surgery in teens accounted for over 131,000 procedures. Recent ASPS statistics reveal that over 160,000 patients between the ages of 13-19 opting for minimally invasive cosmetic surgery throughout 2012.

“I don’t like my boobs. They make me look like I’m 12,” said Long Island high school student, Kira Palmer, 16. Palmer is one of many young girls who feels that enhancement of her cup size would make her more content with her appearance. “I’m still an A [cup], it’s bad”. While Palmer has no immediate intention to alter her looks, she understands the allure. “Plastic surgery is a personal preference. I don’t really see a problem with it”.

“Kids, kids meaning people under 18, are beginning to feel surgery is an option for them whereas, ten years ago, very few teens considered it,” said psychologist Vivian Diller Ph.D. “Now we’re seeing an increase in request for many other surgical procedures including breast reduction and breast enhancement.”

A recent 2014 AAFPRS study indicated that one in three facial plastic surgeons saw an increase in requests for procedures due to social media, attributing increased photo sharing to the dissatisfaction patients have with their own image.

Reports revealed in 2013, more than half of surveyed facial plastic surgeons saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectable in those under age 30.

“If you look at what social media has done with both the way we present ourselves, and with the success of younger people, the perception is in order to remain competitive you have to look young and engaged in more timely appearance,” said Farrior.

Plastic surgery isn’t exclusively for celebs anymore. The recent change in affordability and availability of financing allows those of limited income to afford this luxury.

“Cosmetic surgery is very sensitive to the state of the economy and so when the economy took a downturn, the prices came down. It’s very market sensitive,” said Farrior.

Health insurance may cover some of the cost depending on the procedure. Under the law, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is covered by health insurance. A deviated septum can, at times be a justifiable reason for rhinoplasty coverage. However, if the purpose of the surgery is intended only to improve physical appearance, no coverage is offered.

Surgical procedures and pricing are discussed during consultations, with all fees reviewed. During this time, financing options are also discussed. These options enable those with average or limited incomes to pay for surgical procedures over a period of time. Popular financing companies include American Benefit Credit, Chase Health Advance, Cosmetic Surgery Financing, and Health One Financial, each offering different revolving lines of credit and interest rates based on individual credit scores.

“Financing makes it better,” said Astoria, Queens resident Elizabeth Garcia, 24. “It’s more affordable. I wouldn’t think twice now about wanting to get something done. If I wanted [a procedure], I would just put it on a credit card.”

Less recovery time has also led many to think more favorably towards plastic surgery. Non – invasive procedures are also more isolated allowing surgeons to perform major operations without large incisions. The use of new technology such as lasers, results in less pain, minimal scarring, and a speedy recovery allowing the patient to return work sooner.

“Having any downtime can cost you your job these days”, said Garcia who considers the quick recovery a significant perk of the new advanced procedures. “Now you can get a little nip/tuck on Friday and be back to work by Monday. Talk about convenient.”

Written By Janurie Ulett: Hailing from quaint suburbia, Long Island meets the fabulousness of NYC. With a Bachelors degree in journalism from Brooklyn College, Janurie’s passion for writing comes naturally, fueling her career as a health and fitness freelance journalist. Her signature flair can be described as 19th-century English meets modern day Dear Abby as she faithfully satisfies her readers’ appetites, one word at a time.

It takes time to see improvements; that’s the gym-goers’ mantra when creating fitness goals. Any exercise regiment is best utilized through consistency, with noticeable results apparent anywhere between six to twelve weeks depending on the individual. While it’s extremely unlikely to begin a routine on Monday and see results by Friday, there are some fitness classes that are known to render faster improvements than others. Knowledge of what classes burn the most calories, along with the tactics they use, will help you determine if you’re ready for the intensity these classes offer.

Spinning: This high-intensity activity will keep the heart pumping, building muscles particularly in the core as well as the calves, thighs, and glutes. The increase and decrease of speed and tension is similar to the physical challenge of riding up and down hills, heightening cardio endurance and burning 400-600 calories per workout.

Circuit training: Quickly moving from one exercise to the next is a great form of resistance training. This method maximizes workouts in short periods of time by rotating frequently between exercises that target various body parts with minimum rest in-between. Due to the limited resting periods, the heart rate remains elevated throughout the workout, burning anywhere between 500-600 calories in a 30 minute session.

Kickboxing: Using every muscle in the body, this high energy workout is a combination of karate, boxing, martial arts, and cardio. The vigorous workout involving quick movements, tones, defines and strengthens both the upper and lower body while enhancing the core, burning an average 700-900 calories per class.

Bikram Yoga: Engage your muscles by performing intricate yoga poses in studios with temperature set between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. The heated environment increases flexibility, pulse rate and metabolism, enhancing circulation and increasing blood flow throughout the body. The heat also aids in detoxifying and stress relief as participants practice the 26 postures, linking one pose to another, while practicing deep breathing exercises and burning 500-1,000 calories per class.

If you’re ready for heightened intensity, any of these workouts provide the challenge, as well as the results your body will thank you for.

Written By Janurie Ulett: Hailing from quaint suburbia, Long Island meets the fabulousness of NYC. With a Bachelors degree in journalism from Brooklyn College, Janurie’s passion for writing comes naturally, fueling her career as a health and fitness freelance journalist. Her signature flair can be described as 19th-century English meets modern day Dear Abby as she faithfully satisfies her readers’ appetites, one word at a time.

A significant part of fitness success is selecting workouts that you love. It’s widely known that when you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll be more likely to stick to it. The workout routines that better suit you are not only based on the results you desire, but your own personality.

Self-Motivated: Love to schedule your day? Constantly making lists and striving to accomplish new goals? Goal-orientated personalities need to feel a sense of progress. An exercise program without new levels of goals will never entice. If this is you, you enjoy workouts that allow you to track your progress whether through measuring time and distance or improved endurance. For this purpose, try cardio workouts like spin class, weight training and swimming.

Habit Lovers: Routine lovers are known to be very disciplined, less interested in logging their progress, and more concerned with maintaining a regiment. With consistency being the key to success, you prefer familiar activities that will fit into your daily schedule with ease to enable everyday workouts. Regular fitness classes such as yoga, cardio kickboxing and bootcamp are known to cater to hectic work schedules while maintaining a toned body.

Conscious Contemplators: Conscientious people usually enjoy regular workout routines but often prefer solo ones. Activities that don’t including coordinating plans with others or the cooperation of the weather, that allows you to meditate and reflect while relishing solitary workouts. Long distance running, hiking, biking, yoga, and Pilates are great for enabling that solo time while enhancing your physique.

Plays Well with Others: While some thrive on the idea of great workout, social butterflies get an extra boost from workouts that allow them to interact with others. For you, working out is also your social time, where the comfort of camaraderie enhances the appeal of getting off the couch. Group classes and team sports are your best avenues to remain entertained while burning calories.

Compulsive Competitors: The gratification of winning is a strong motivator. For you, being enticed to push yourself further in the midst of healthy competition is the best form of a mental and physical workout. Tennis, rugby, lacrosse, basketball, swimming, and marathons will feed into your competitive nature while keeping you in shape.

Spontaneous Challenger: A strategic exercise program isn’t enough to hold your attention. Constantly craving new activities to keep you interested, you enjoy mixing things up so you never get bored. Needing a variety to help stick to a routine leads to numerous new activities that provide an additional sense of thrill. From sprinting to surfing, rock climbing to bungee jumping, as long as you maintain your love of trying new things, you’ll never have a stagnant workout routine. A workout regiment that can cater to your personality, whether structured or spontaneous, is a sure-fired way of being one step closer to your fitness success.

Written By Janurie Ulett: Hailing from quaint suburbia, Long Island meets the fabulousness of NYC. With a Bachelors degree in journalism from Brooklyn College, Janurie’s passion for writing comes naturally, fueling her career as a health and fitness freelance journalist. Her signature flair can be described as 19th-century English meets modern day Dear Abby as she faithfully satisfies her readers’ appetites, one word at a time.

Now in February, the notorious relationship-themed month, it’s customary to witness many, especially those in new relationships swept away, basking in the pleasures of their romance. However, this is also the time of year when the excessive focus on love might lead to the reassessment of current relationships. Some women may be left questioning if their current romance is going anywhere.

After years of dating, it’s easy to get lost in casual connections. However, if marriage is your aspiration, it might be time to weed out the undesirables that could be wasting your time. Before any serious “where is this relationship going?” talks commence, it’s important to first determine if your ‘Mr. Right Now’ has the key qualifications to be your ‘Mr. Right’.

Communication is STILL Key: We’re all familiar with the cliche, communication is the key to a successful relationship. It’s so true! The way you communicate plays a big part in your relationship. Being able to address concerns and problems respectfully, without raised voices, and remembering to compromise with one another goes a long way. A bickering relationship is rarely an enjoyable one.

Shared Values: Having things in common can strengthen any relationship but having similar principles, ideals, and outlooks on life will help keep you both on the same page. Even when you experience different viewpoints, respecting each other’s opinion is a surefire way to insure harmony.

Reliable Support System: It’s important to have long term goals that steer you towards a healthy, happy, and successful life, but everyone experiences times of hardship, self-doubt and discouragement. It is during these times when it’s essential to know you can rely on one another for support and encouragement through whatever adversities you encounter.

More Smiles than Tears: In any relationship, it’s always important to spend more time laughing than crying. Whether it is a night on the town or snuggled up in bed together, your wants and needs should never be dismissed or pushed aside. A man with husband potential will always be willing to put in the extra effort to make you smile.

While there are many other important aspects to consider when deciding if a relationship is headed for the alter, assessing if you might be with the right person is the first step. Not everyone has matrimonial encouraging traits, but the knowledge and understanding of what your looking for in a husband is one step closer to a happy future marriage. If your in a relationship it might be time to ask that question, “Is he hubby material?” How he measures up to these characteristics may be the answer you are hoping for.

Written By: Janurie Ulett: Hailing from quaint suburbia, Long Island meets the fabulousness of NYC. With a Bachelors degree in journalism from Brooklyn College, Janurie’s passion for writing comes naturally, fueling her career as a health and fitness freelance journalist. Her signature flair can be described as 19th-century English meets modern day Dear Abby as she faithfully satisfies her readers’ appetites, one word at a time.

The holiday season might be over, but that doesn’t mean we’re done making a list and checking it twice. As we enter the new year, the naughty or nice list is replaced by the New Year’s resolution list, creating the incentive that gets half the population off the couch and to one place; the gym.

Every year Americans make fitness goals, hoping to turn over a new leaf and finally commit to the healthier lifestyle we strive for. The most popular health and fitness resolutions are tolose weight, get back in shape, and go to the gym 2 to 3 times weekly.

While these resolutions are set with the best intentions in mind, by March, motivation begins to vanish as the number of gym goers drastically dwindle down. There are many reasons why consistency can become a challenge when pursuing a new fitness lifestyle. Unsure of Where to Start- Any permanent change requires planning and sometimes, that’s the hardest part.

For those who are very new to the gym, the overall environment can appear intimidating without knowledge of what steps to take to achieve the results you’re looking for. Luckily, most gyms offer one free session with a personal trainer that can outline and demonstrate workout routines, equipment and classes to start with.

The best aerobic classes to help you trim down include cycling and kickboxing, known to burn over 700 calories per hour. If you’re looking for sculpting and toning, Pilates and bootcamp classes target your core along with strengthening the entire body.

Lack of Time – It can become a hassle trying to fit gym time into a busy weekly schedule.

When setting any fitness goal, the time frame set to accomplish goals should be long enough that it works with your schedule, enabling consistency but not so much time that it might cause you to lose interest. Before signing up, research gym hours and class times, ensuring they coincide with your own hectic schedule. For most people, mornings are usually the best time to get in a workout before other daily responsibilities get in the way.

Reduced Motivation- The desire to see quick results quickly leads to disappointment and discouragement.

People are easily influenced by trends like 6 minute abs and celebrity diets causing them to create unrealistic goals, eager to see drastic changes. However, lack of success can be attributed to the types of goals set. “Get back in shape” is too general; Goals should be specific enough to enable measurement of progress. When reasonable progress is seen, it aids motivation.

Examples of success-achieving goals are:

To lose “X” pounds of fat

To gain “X” pounds of muscle

To fit into that new dress

Make your New Year’s resolutions into a permanent lifestyle change through hard work and consistency. Commit to a dedicated fitness plan and by March, while others have abandoned their goals, you’ll be reaping the rewards in time for spring.

Written By: Janurie Ulett: Hailing from quaint suburbia, Long Island meets the fabulousness of NYC. With a Bachelors degree in journalism from Brooklyn College, Janurie’s passion for writing comes naturally, fueling her career as a health and fitness freelance journalist. Her signature flair can be described as 19th-century English meets modern day Dear Abby as she faithfully satisfies her readers’ appetites, one word at a time.